Saved from Ukraine Lion Receives Essential Surgery
The Big Cat Sanctuary
An adolescent lioness rescued from conflict-ridden Ukraine has received vital oral operation to remove a severely infected fang caused by an infection.
The lioness was brought to a wildlife sanctuary in Smarden, Kent on March 14 after a campaign by director Cam Whitnall, who raised half a million pounds to fund her and four other rescued lions.
The Big Cat Sanctuary
The surgery was carried out on Friday by dentist Peter Kertesz, who has treated about 450 big cats.
"Upon inspecting Lira's jaw and mouth, I could see right away the broken tooth was highly inflamed," stated Mr Kertesz.
He believed the dental issue was due to a injury sustained over twelve months back, causing bacteria creating toxins within the fang.
"My philosophy is animal oral health issues should be addressed in the most predictable, the least invasive and most secure manner," he explained.
The expert explained that as Lira did not need to catch prey, removal was the most "logical and humane option."
The Animal Rescue Facility
The sanctuary reported the extracted tooth was 8cm (3.14 inches) long, with the dentist having to remove a pocket of pus from beneath the tooth and close the significant opening with multiple absorbable stitches.
He also performed a dental procedure on the corresponding top fang, which was also found to be infected.
The curator, curator at the facility, declared the procedure was a "total triumph."
She said the staff had observed "a minor swelling on the lioness's face" but it had been difficult to determine "how serious the condition was."
"Lira will be somewhat sore to initially, but now that the toxins are out of her body, she will start to feel much better over the next few days," added the curator.
This vital operation marks a major milestone in Lira's recovery after her arrival from the conflict area.
